Goethe-Zertifikat A2

Goethe-Zertifikat A2 certifies elementary German ability at CEFR level A2. You can communicate in simple routine situations about familiar topics like family, shopping, and work.

Learners moving beyond absolute beginner who want an official milestone, applicants for certain visas requiring A2 (e.g., some long-term residence paths), and students preparing for B1.

Most learners need an additional 150–250 hours of instruction to move from A1 to A2. Total from zero to A2 is typically around 250–400 hours.

Four modules: Reading (30 min), Listening (30 min), Writing (30 min), Speaking (15 min, paired). The written modules are taken together; Speaking takes place on the same day or on a separate date set by the exam center. Each module is scored out of 25 points, but the exam is passed or failed as a whole.

You need 60 out of 100 points overall — and on top of that at least 45 of the 75 written points (Lesen, Hören, Schreiben) and at least 15 of the 25 Sprechen points. All three conditions must hold in the same attempt; if one is missed, the whole exam is not passed. A2 is not modular, so you cannot retake a single module.

A2 requires a larger vocabulary, past and simple future tenses, more complex sentence structures, and the ability to describe events rather than just everyday objects. Reading and listening texts are longer.

Fees vary by country and institute. Goethe-Institut branches and licensed partners list exact current fees locally.

For most permanent residency paths Germany requires B1, not A2. A2 can be required for certain intermediate steps or visa extensions — check the exact requirement for your residence permit.